Do not introduce the halo safety device in Formula One

Today the news has broken that Formula One will introduce the halo safety device in 2018 following a Strategy Group meeting on Wednesday.

I, like many other F1 fans, feel this move is overall detrimental to the sport. While it may be proven that it has safety benefits, it may also bring some, with the time taken for drivers to exit the cockpit being increased, the potential for bouncing tyres to deflect off the halo into the crowd and vision being worsened, especially in wet conditions. But most of all it will destroy the character of F1 cars and will be a complete eyesore to the viewing public. It is also widely accepted that the device would have had no impact with both the Bianchi & Massa incidents. I for one do not see anything other than the sport becoming a laughing stock to others if this is to be introduced.

Closed cockpits being safer than open cockpits is not some newly discovered fact. So, why should Formula One suddenly go for a swift change of direction when the risks involved in the sport have been public knowledge since as long as we can all remember?

Media sources have suggested that 9 out of 10 teams voted against the Halo, which shows the unpopularity of the halo within the F1 paddock. And in my opinion, shows a lack of respect to the F1 teams if it turns out to be true.

The World Motor Sport Council will still need to sign the halo off before it can arrive on the grid in 2018, but hopefully, with the support of F1 fans, we can make them think twice.